Crystal Caves...

[Perstef81]

...we've heard conflicting reports. What do people think?

[LindaLa]

We did both the Crystal and Fantasy Caves. We took the ferry to Hamilton, then the bus to the Caves. It was interesting. Fantasy Caves has lots of steps and it is somewhat steep. After the caves, we crossed the street and had a very nice lunch at The Swizzle Inn. It was an enjoyable day.

[Perstef81]

Thanks!

[mag]

We enjoyed both caves. My advise would be to get there early, right when they open. You will beat the tour buses and it is much nicer to have 5-10 in your group than 30-40!

[iheartbda]

If you have caves at home that you've been to, there are other things to spend the limited time on in Bermuda. If you've never been in any caves, they are quite beautiful.

[Surfgirl]

We enjoyed both caves. My advise would be to get there early, right when they open. You will beat the tour buses and it is much nicer to have 5-10 in your group than 30-40!

 

There were only 4 in our group.. we got there right when they opened.

[CaribbeanBound]

Our first order of business upon leaving the ship in St. George was to catch a bus to the Crystal Cave and Fantasy Cave. Bus 1 and 3 will stop directly at Crystal Cave. Bus 10 or 11 will stop at Swizzle Inn which is within 2 blocks of the caves. It’s about a 20-minute ride. Get there early. They open at 9:30 am. We strongly suggest catching the first available bus as the caves are very popular and will get very crowded before noon. You can catch the bus on Water Street, one long block from the pier. Admission to the caves is $14 for one cave or $20 for the pair. Fantasy Cave, which reopened just 8 years ago after a 70-year closure, is BY FAR the better cave. Unfortunately most folks will never learn this fact since the ship excursions only take you to the better known Crystal Cave. Explore both caves if you have the time. If you have a choice, see Crystal Cave first (because Fantasy Cave is better). Do Fantasy Cave if you only have time for one. The best group size is under 20. It got so busy that our group had 40 people. The group behind us had at least 60! They really need to do a better job of controlling group sizes. Your best defense is to go early. The caves are full of stalagmites, stalactites, columns, soda straws, bacon, shield formations and other interesting forms. Both caves are well lit and are full of water (but you won’t get wet). The water is very clear, and believe it or not, it’s all sea water. Fantasy Cave, in addition to being better preserved, also has an interesting spooky side which I will not ruin for you here. Very worthwhile. After exploring the caves, we caught the first 1, 3, 10, or 11 bus back to the ship for lunch.

 

Here is a very detailed review of our cruise to Bermuda. We were there for a week. We stopped in Hamilton and St. George. Hints and tips about the ship, island transportation, beaches, caves, forts and sea glass. http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/bermuda.html